US20190100259A1 - Tire carriers for use with vehicles - Google Patents
Tire carriers for use with vehicles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190100259A1 US20190100259A1 US15/722,395 US201715722395A US2019100259A1 US 20190100259 A1 US20190100259 A1 US 20190100259A1 US 201715722395 A US201715722395 A US 201715722395A US 2019100259 A1 US2019100259 A1 US 2019100259A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tire carrier
- tubes
- leg
- lock
- tire
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 title abstract description 22
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 11
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 11
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 11
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 244000228957 Ferula foetida Species 0.000 description 1
- 229910003460 diamond Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010432 diamond Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005043 peripheral vision Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D43/00—Spare wheel stowing, holding, or mounting arrangements
- B62D43/02—Spare wheel stowing, holding, or mounting arrangements external to the vehicle body
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D43/00—Spare wheel stowing, holding, or mounting arrangements
- B62D43/002—Handling devices, mainly for heavy wheels
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/20—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/22—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material
- F16B2/24—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal
- F16B2/241—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal of sheet metal
- F16B2/245—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal of sheet metal external, i.e. with contracting action
- F16B2/246—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal of sheet metal external, i.e. with contracting action the clip being released by tilting the clip or a part thereof to a position in which the axis of the openings surrounding the gripped elements is parallel to, or coincides with, the axis of the gripped elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
- F16B7/10—Telescoping systems
- F16B7/14—Telescoping systems locking in intermediate non-discrete positions
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
- F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
- F16F9/02—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only or vacuum
- F16F9/0209—Telescopic
- F16F9/0245—Means for adjusting the length of, or for locking, the spring or dampers
- F16F9/0254—Means for adjusting the length of, or for locking, the spring or dampers mechanically lockable, e.g. by use of friction collar
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R9/00—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like
- B60R9/06—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
- F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
- F16F9/32—Details
- F16F9/56—Means for adjusting the length of, or for locking, the spring or damper, e.g. at the end of the stroke
Definitions
- This disclosure relates generally to vehicles and, more particularly, to tire carriers for use with vehicles.
- Some vehicles include spare tires that are attached to tire carriers.
- the tire carriers may be mounted on the front or the rear of the vehicle.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an example vehicle including an example tire carrier in a raised position with a distal end of the tire carrier immediately adjacent the vehicle.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the example vehicle of FIG. 1 including the example tire carrier in the raised position with the distal end of the tire carrier spaced from the vehicle.
- FIG. 3 illustrates the example vehicle of FIG. 1 including the example tire carrier in the lowered position with the distal end of the tire carrier spaced from the vehicle.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of an example lock of the example tire carrier of FIG. 1 .
- FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a series of views depicting an example process of moving the example tire carrier of FIG. 1 from the lowered position to the raised position.
- FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an person using an example step of the example tire carrier to access a rear of the vehicle.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a person sitting on the tire of the example tire carrier when the tire carrier is in the lowered position.
- FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of an example tire carrier in a raised position that can be used to implement the teachings of this disclosure.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the example tire carrier of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of the example tire carrier of FIG. 8 in the lowered position.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a detailed view of an example lock of the tire carrier of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of another example tire carrier in the raised position.
- FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of another example tire carrier including telescopically coupled tubes disposed on a bottom of the tire carrier when the tire carrier is mounted to a vehicle.
- FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of another example tire carrier including telescopically coupled tubes disposed on a side of the tire carrier when the tire carrier is mounted to a vehicle.
- FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of another example tire carrier including an example handle and an example step.
- FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view of the example tire carrier of FIG. 15 in a lowered position.
- FIG. 17 illustrates another isometric view of the example tire carrier of FIG. 15 in the lowered position.
- FIG. 18 illustrates an isometric view of the example tire carrier of FIG. 15 in the raised position with a distal end of the tire carrier spaced from the vehicle.
- FIG. 19 illustrates another isometric view of the example tire carrier of FIG. 15 in a raised position with the distal end of the tire carrier spaced from the vehicle.
- FIG. 20 illustrates an isometric view of the example tire carrier of FIG. 15 in the raised position with a distal end of the tire carrier immediately adjacent the vehicle.
- FIG. 21 illustrates an isometric view of another example tire carrier in a raised position with a distal end of the tire carrier immediately adjacent the vehicle.
- FIG. 22 illustrates a front view of an example tire carrier including an example actuator to actuate an example lock.
- FIG. 23 illustrates a detailed isometric view of an example tire carrier including an example lock to secure a tire carrier in a raised position.
- the examples disclosed herein relate to adjustable height tire carriers for use with vehicles.
- the tire carriers include an example self-locking clamp that prevents the tire carriers from inadvertently lowering but which enables the tire carrier to be easily raised.
- the example tire carriers disclosed herein can be raised from the lowered position to a mid-travel position and then further raised from the mid-travel position to a raised position without the tire carrier inadvertently lowering during the process.
- the tire carriers include an example step that may be used to assist a person entering a rear of a vehicle implemented with the example tire carriers. For example, when the tire carrier is in the lowered position, a person may step on the step to assist the person with entering the vehicle (e.g., entering a bed of the vehicle) and/or assist the person with accessing the roof of the vehicle.
- the step may be structured to be used as a handle that may be held by a person to assist with raising and/or lowering the example tire carrier.
- the example tire carrier may be provided with a step and a handle.
- a spare tire in the lowered position, is easily alignable with lugs of the tire carrier to enable the spare tire to be positioned on the tire carrier without having to lift the spare tire off the ground during the process.
- the examples disclosed herein provide an ergonomic tire carrier for vehicles, including off-road vehicles, that enable the spare tire to be moved to a raised, stowed position without a person having to lift the tire the entire distance prior to attaching the tire to the tire carrier (e.g., spare tires may be approximately one-hundred pounds).
- the tire carriers are structured to enable a person to use the tire as a seat during, for example, a social scenario, a camping scenario, a tailgating scenario, etc., or, more generally, a situation in which people are gathering and/or socializing around the vehicle.
- the tire carriers are structured to be out of a line of sight or the peripheral vision of a person sitting on a tailgate of a vehicle implemented with the example tire carrier during, for example, a social scenario, a camping scenario, a tailgating scenario, etc., or, more generally, a situation in which people are gathering and/or socializing around the vehicle
- the tire carrier includes a first elongate member or tube, a second elongate member or tube, third and fourth elongate members or tubes that are telescopically coupled and a fifth elongate member or tube. While the tubes may be arranged in different ways such that the third and fourth tubes are disposed on one of the sides of the tire carrier and/or on the bottom of the tire carrier, in some examples, the third and fourth tubes are disposed on the top of the tire carrier when the tire carrier is mounted to the vehicle.
- a first end of the third tube is rotatably coupled to the second tube, a second end of the third tube receives a first end of the fourth tube and a second end of the fourth tube is rotatably coupled to the fifth tube.
- the fourth tube receives the third tube.
- an end of the second tube is rotatably coupled to the third tube
- an end of the first tube is rotatably coupled to the second tube
- an end of the fifth tube is rotatably coupled to the fourth tube.
- the first and fifth tubes may be fixed relative to one another.
- the second tube is structured to be hingably coupled to the vehicle at one or more locations.
- the second tube may be hingably coupled to the vehicle at one location such as, for example, at the bumper of the vehicle and/or the second tube may be hingably coupled to the vehicle at two locations such as, for example, two locations spaced on a rear and/or side panel of the vehicle.
- the tire carrier includes an example lock carried by the third tube.
- the lock is self-locking and/or is biased toward the locked position to prevent the relative position between the third and fourth tubes from changing.
- the lock fixes the third and fourth tubes relative to one another to prevent the tire carrier from inadvertently lowering.
- the lock is implemented by an example pipe clamp that is biased, via one or more springs, to provide a locking force against the fourth tube to prevent the fourth tube from being removed from and/or being drawn out of the third tube.
- the lock includes a bracket (e.g., a containing and locating bracket) formed on an end of the third tube.
- the bracket includes apertures and/or slots through which a release(s) (e.g., an actuator, tabs) of the lock extends.
- the release is rotated (e.g., clockwise, counterclockwise) or otherwise moved to reduce an amount of mechanical engagement between the lock and the fourth tube to enable the fourth tube to slide out of the third tube to lower the tire carrier.
- the slots are defined on opposite sides of the bracket and sized and/or positioned to cause an engagement member (e.g., plates) of the lock to mechanically engage the fourth tube.
- a person moves the release of the lock toward the unlocked position such that the engagement member of the lock provides less locking force on the fourth tube. For example, moving the lock toward the release position rotates the engagement member relative to a longitudinal axis of the fourth tube to position a longitudinal axis of the engagement member closer to being perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the fourth tube.
- the release and/or engagement member is structured to be rotated further from the locked position.
- an example second lock that prevents the lock from being inadvertently actuated.
- the second lock includes a rotatable tang that ratchets over the engagement member (e.g., the plates) of the lock to secure the tire adjuster in the raised position.
- the tang may pass through a slot defined by the engagement member of the lock to secure the tire carrier in the raised position and/or to prevent the lock from actuating from the locked position to the unlocked position.
- the second lock includes a handle usable to rotate the tang out of the path of the engagement member of the lock.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an example vehicle 100 including an example tire carrier 102 on which a tire 104 is mounted.
- the tire carrier 102 includes a bracket 106 (more clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ) having lugs 108 that are received by bolt holes 110 of a rim 112 to secure the tire 104 to the tire carrier 102 .
- the tire carrier 102 includes a frame 113 including a first tube, leg or elongate member 114 , a second tube, leg or elongate member 116 having legs, devises and/or lugs 118 , 120 and third and fourth tubes, legs or elongate members 122 , 124 .
- the second leg 116 is hingably coupled to the vehicle 100 via hinges 126 , 128 .
- the first and second legs 114 , 116 are rotatably coupled, the second and third legs 116 , 122 are rotatably coupled and the third and fourth legs 122 , 124 are telescopically coupled.
- the first and third legs 114 , 122 define slots 130 , 132 that receive the respective lugs 118 , 120 of the second leg 116 and are rotatably coupled to the second leg 116 via fasteners or pins 134 , 136 .
- the tire carrier 102 includes an example lock 138 carried by the fourth tube 124 .
- the example lock 138 enables the third leg 122 to move (e.g., slide) into the fourth leg 124 when the tire carrier 102 is moved into the raised position but prevents the third leg 122 from being drawn out of the fourth leg 124 unless the lock 138 is intentionally actuated and/or moved to a released position.
- the lock 138 is structured to enable the tire 104 to be lowered to the ground when the lock 138 is actuated or released.
- the lock 138 is structured to enable the relative position between the third and fourth legs 122 , 124 to be incrementally secured, via the lock 138 , during the raising process without human interaction.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the example tire carrier 102 in a vehicle access position in which the tire 104 is spaced from the vehicle 100 and/or the tire carrier 102 is swung away from the vehicle 100 .
- the example tire carrier 102 includes an example fifth tube, leg or elongate member 202 positioned between the first and fourth legs 114 , 124 .
- the first and fifth legs 114 , 202 are fixed relative to one another (e.g., welded, bolted, etc.) or are formed of a single piece of material.
- an example first clevis or lug 204 extends from the fifth leg 202 and is received by an example slot 206 of the fourth leg 124 and is rotatably coupled via a fastener 208 .
- the tire carrier 102 includes an example second lug 212 to which a plate 214 is coupled.
- the tire carrier 102 may be structured to position the second lug 212 and the plate 214 to be used as a step when the tire carrier 102 is in the lowered position (e.g., the tire 104 engages the ground).
- the plate 214 may be implemented by diamond plate or any other material that enables a person to step on the plate 214 without slipping.
- the second lug 212 is structured to be used as a handle to assist a person with raising and/or lowering the example tire carrier 102 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates the tire carrier 102 in the lowered position with the tire 104 engaging the ground.
- the tire carrier 102 is structured to enable a person to sit on the tire 104 during, for example, a social scenario, a camping scenario, a tailgating scenario, etc., or, more generally, a situation in which people are gathering and/or socializing around the vehicle.
- the tire carrier 102 when the example tire carrier 102 is in the lowered position, the tire carrier 102 is structured to be out of a line of sight of a person sitting on the rear 210 of the vehicle 100 during, for example, a social scenario, a camping scenario, a tailgating scenario, etc., or, more generally, a situation in which people are gathering and/or socializing around the vehicle.
- the holes 110 of the rim 112 can be easily aligned with the lugs 108 of the tire carrier 102 to enable a person to position the tire 104 on the tire carrier 102 without having to lift the tire 104 a great distance if at all (e.g., a distance from the ground to a position associated with the tire carrier 102 being in the stowed, raised position).
- FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of the example lock 138 of the example tire carrier 102 .
- the lock 138 includes a bracket 402 formed at an end of the fourth leg 124 .
- the bracket 402 includes a cavity 404 in which a biasing element (e.g., a spring) 406 and plates 408 are disposed.
- a biasing element e.g., a spring
- the third leg 122 extends through the bracket 402 and through apertures formed by the biasing element 406 and the plates 408 such that the biasing element 406 urges the plates 408 toward the locked position (shown in FIG. 4 ) and the biasing element 406 and the plates 408 surround the third leg 122 .
- the bracket 402 defines opposing first and second slots 414 , 416 that are structured to cause axes of the plates 408 to be non-perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis of the third leg 122 when the lock 138 is in the locked position. Specifically, based on a first stop or end 418 of the first slot 414 being spaced from a second stop or end 420 of the second slot 416 , first tabs 422 of the plates 408 that extend through the first slot 414 engage the first stop 418 prior to second tabs 424 of the plates 408 that extend through the second slot 416 engaging the second stop 420 causing the plates 408 to cock and engage the third leg 122 . The engagement between the plates 408 and the third leg 122 prevents the third leg 122 from being removed from the fourth leg 124 .
- the second tabs 424 are movable in a direction generally indicated by arrow 426 (e.g., counterclockwise) by a person moving the second tabs 424 .
- the first tabs 422 are movable in a direction generally opposite the direction generally indicated by the arrow 426 .
- An additional actuator may be carried by the tire carrier 102 enable the lock 138 to be released.
- the actuator may be implemented by a lever or handle distal to the lock 138 itself.
- the biasing element 406 automatically urges the plates 408 into the locked position in which the plates 408 mechanically engage against the third leg 122 to prevent the tire carrier 102 from inadvertently lowering.
- the movement of the third leg 122 into the fourth leg 124 urges the second tabs 424 in the direction generally indicated by the arrow 426 against the biasing force of the biasing element 406 .
- the lock 138 is structured to automatically release to the unlocked position when the third leg 122 is being moved into the fourth leg 124 to raise the tire carrier 102 .
- FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate an example process of raising the example tire carrier 102 from the lowered position, to a mid-travel position to a raised position.
- a person 504 is shown gripping the second lug 212 and exerting a force in a direction generally indicated by arrow 506 to raise the tire carrier 102 .
- FIG. 5B illustrates the example tire carrier 102 at a mid-travel position and the lock 138 self-locking to prevent the tire carrier 102 from lowering even if the person 504 is not applying the force in the direction generally indicated by the arrow 506 .
- FIG. 5C illustrates the tire carrier 102 in the raised position and the lock 138 self-locking to prevent the tire carrier 102 from lowering.
- FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an example process of using the example second lug 212 to enter the rear 210 of the vehicle 100 with an example tailgate 650 in a lowered position.
- a person 652 is holding the third leg 122 of the example tire carrier 102 with one hand and stepping on the second lug 212 and
- FIG. 6B illustrates the person 652 stepping onto the tailgate 550 from the second lug 212 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates the person 652 sitting on the tire 104 with the tire carrier 102 in the lowered position during, for example, a social scenario, a camping scenario, a tailgating scenario, etc., or, more generally, a situation in which people are gathering and/or socializing around the vehicle 100 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates an example tire carrier 600 that is similar to the tire carrier 102 of FIG. 1 .
- the tire carrier 600 does not include the bracket 106 mounted on a lug 601 to which the tire 104 is to be mounted.
- the tire carrier 600 of FIG. 8 includes example first and second legs 602 , 604 formed of sheet metal and/or metal stock and example third and fourth tubes, legs or elongate members 606 , 608 where the third leg 606 receives the fourth leg 608 instead of the fourth leg 124 receiving the third leg 122 as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the tire carrier 600 includes an example lock 609 on an end 607 of the third leg 606 that is similar to the lock 138 of FIG. 1 .
- the lock 609 of FIG. 8 includes first and second slots 610 , 611 having first and second stops and/or ends 612 , 614 where the second stop 614 is closer to the end 607 than the first stop 612 .
- first tabs 616 of the lock 609 are urged into engagement with the first stop 612 prior to second tabs 618 of the lock 609 being urged into engagement with the second stop 614 .
- the engagement between the tabs 616 , 618 and the stops 612 , 614 cause the lock 609 to cock into engagement with the fourth leg 608 and prevent the fourth leg 608 from being pulled out of the third leg 606 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the example tire carrier 600 of FIG. 8 in the raised position.
- the first stop 612 is spaced further from the end 607 than the second stop 614 .
- the first slot 610 is smaller than the second slot 611 to cause the tabs 616 , 618 to be offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the third leg 606 when the lock 609 is in the locked position.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of the example tire carrier 600 of FIG. 8 in the lowered position.
- the fourth leg 608 is further extending out of the third leg 606 to enable the tire carrier 610 to be in the lowered position.
- FIG. 11 illustrates a detailed view of the example lock 609 of the example tire carrier 600 formed of an example bracket 900 in which portions 904 of plates 906 are disposed.
- the plates 906 define apertures 907 .
- the tabs 616 , 618 extend from opposing sides of the portions 904 and through the slots 610 , 611 defined by the bracket 900 . While this example illustrates the first slot 610 being smaller than the second slot 611 , in other examples, the first slot 610 may be larger than the second slot 611 .
- FIG. 12 illustrates an example tire carrier 1200 that is similar to the tire carrier 102 of FIG. 1 .
- the tire carrier 1200 includes a first leg 1202 including the first lug 204 and the second lug 212 .
- an example frame 1204 has a relatively triangular cross-section as compared to the frame 113 of the tire carrier 102 of FIG. 1 .
- the tire carrier 600 does not include a leg having a significant L-shaped cross-section.
- FIG. 13 illustrates an example tire carrier 1300 that is similar to the tire carrier 600 of FIG. 8 .
- the example tire carrier 1300 includes a first leg 1302 , a second leg 1304 and a third leg 1306 that are non-telescoping and fourth and fifth legs, tubes or elongate members 1308 , 1310 that are telescopically coupled.
- the fourth and fifth legs 1308 , 1310 are disposed on the bottom of the tire carrier 1300 when the tire carrier 1300 is mounted to a vehicle.
- the first leg 1302 is rotatably coupled to the second leg 1304 via a fastener 1312
- the first leg 1302 is rotatably coupled to the fifth leg 1310 via a fastener 1314
- the second leg 1304 is rotatably coupled to the third leg 1306 via a fastener 1316
- the third leg 1306 is rotatably coupled to the fourth leg 1308 via a fastener 1318 .
- the legs 1308 , 1310 are positioned and/or sized to be in a contracted position when the tire carrier 1300 is in the raised position and to be in an extended position when the tire carrier 1300 is in the lowered position.
- the legs 1308 , 1310 are positioned and/or sized to be in an expanded position when the tire carrier 1300 is in the raised position and to be in a contracted position when the tire carrier 1300 is in the lowered position.
- FIG. 14 illustrates an example tire carrier 1400 that is similar to the tire carrier 600 of FIG. 8 .
- the tire carrier 1400 includes a first leg 1402 , a second leg 1404 and a third leg 1406 that are non-telescoping and fourth and fifth legs, tubes or elongate members 1408 , 1410 that are telescopically coupled.
- the fourth and fifth legs 1408 , 1410 are disposed on the side of the tire carrier 1400 when the tire carrier 1400 is mounted to a vehicle.
- first leg 1402 is rotatably coupled to the second leg 1404 via a fastener 1412
- first leg 1402 is rotatably coupled to the fourth leg 1408 via a fastener 1414
- second leg 1404 is rotatably coupled to the third leg 1406 via a fastener 1416
- third leg 1406 is rotatably coupled to the fifth leg 1410 via a fastener 1418 .
- a mount to carry a tire is coupled to the first leg 1402 , the third leg 1406 and/or adjacent the coupling of the first leg 1402 and the third leg 1406 .
- the legs 1408 , 1410 are positioned and/or sized to be in a contracted position when the tire carrier 1400 is in the raised position and to be in an extended position when the tire carrier 1400 is in the lowered position. In some examples, the legs 1408 , 1410 are positioned and/or sized to be in an expanded position when the tire carrier 1400 is in the raised position and to be in a contracted position when the tire carrier 1300 is in the lowered position.
- a hinge 1420 is coupled to the fifth leg 1410 to hingably couple the tire carrier 1400 to a vehicle.
- the fourth leg 1408 moves relative to the hinge 1420 .
- the hinge 1420 is coupled to the fourth leg 1408 to hingably couple the tire carrier 1400 to the vehicle.
- FIG. 15 illustrates an example tire carrier 1500 that is similar to the tire carrier 102 of FIG. 1 .
- the tire carrier 1500 includes an example first leg, tube or elongate member 1502 including an example first leg-portion 1504 and an example second leg portion 1506 .
- the second leg portion 1506 includes an example first lug 1508 , an example second lug 1512 and an example third lug 1514 .
- the first lug 1508 is structured to be hingably coupled to the fourth leg 124 via a fastener 1516
- the second lug 1512 is structured to be used as a step when the tire carrier 1500 is in the lowered position
- the third lug 1514 is structured to be used as a handle to assist with moving the tire carrier 1500 between the lowered position and the raised position and/or between the raised position and the lowered position.
- FIG. 16 illustrates the example tire carrier 1500 in the lowered position with the tire 104 engaging the ground.
- the second lug 1512 is structured to be used as a step to assist a person stepping from the ground to the tailgate 650 and the third lug 1514 is structured to be used as a handle to assist in moving the tire carrier 1500 between the lowered position and the raised position.
- an example fifth leg or tube 1516 extends from an end of the second leg portion 1506 and includes an example mount 1518 having lugs 1702 ( FIG. 17 ) to which the tire 104 is mounted.
- FIG. 17 illustrates another isometric view of the example tire carrier 1500 in the lowered position with the tire 104 engaging the ground and the tailgate 550 in the lowered position. As shown in FIG. 17 , the lugs 1702 of the mount 1518 extend through the rim 112 .
- FIG. 18 illustrates the example tire carrier 1500 in a raised position with the tire 104 spaced from the vehicle 100 and the tailgate 650 in the lowered position.
- FIG. 19 illustrates another isometric view of the example tire carrier 1500 with the example tire carrier 1500 in the raised position, the tire 104 spaced from the vehicle 100 and the tailgate 650 in the raised position.
- FIG. 20 illustrates an isometric view of the example tire carrier 1500 in the raised position with the tire 104 positioned immediately adjacent the vehicle 100 in the stowed position (e.g., the position that tire carrier 1500 is in when the vehicle 100 is driven).
- FIG. 21 illustrates an example tire carrier 2100 that is similar to the tire carrier 1500 of FIG. 15 .
- the tire carrier 2100 includes an example second leg, tube or elongate member 2102 that is received in a pivotal coupling 2104 .
- the pivotal coupling 2104 is formed at an example bumper 2106 of the vehicle 100 .
- the pivotal coupling 2104 is formed of a cylinder that rotatably receives the second leg 2102 to enable the tire carrier 2100 to pivot relative to the vehicle 100 while retaining the second leg 2102 within the pivotal coupling 2104 to prevent the tire carrier 2100 from being inadvertently released from the vehicle 100 .
- the tire carrier 2100 is in the raised position with the tire 104 immediately adjacent the vehicle 100 .
- FIG. 22 illustrates the example tire carrier 1500 of FIG. 15 including an example actuator 2202 to actuate the lock 138 between a locked position in which the plates 408 mechanically engage the third tube 122 and an unlocked position in which the plates 408 unengage the third tube 122 and/or enable the tubes 122 , 124 to move relative to one another.
- the actuator 2202 includes an example cable 2204 coupled to the plates 408 and an example handle 2206 pivotably coupled to the third lug 1514 .
- the handle 2206 of the actuator 2202 is moved toward third lug 1514 .
- the handle 2206 is released to enable the handle 2206 to move away from the third lug 1514 .
- the actuator 2202 may be structured to release the lock 138 in any suitable way.
- the actuator 2202 is biased toward the locked position.
- the handle 2206 automatically moves to enable the lock 138 to return to the locked position in which the third and fourth tubes 122 , 124 are secured relative to each other.
- FIG. 23 illustrates an example tire carrier 2300 that is substantially similar to the tire carrier 1500 of FIG. 15 .
- the tire carrier 2300 of FIG. 23 includes example third and fourth legs, tubes or elongated members 2302 , 2304 defining apertures 2306 , 2308 .
- the apertures 2306 , 2308 are positioned to align when the example tire carrier 2300 is in the raised position to enable an example second lock 2310 to be formed when the apertures 2306 , 2308 receive an example pin 2312 .
- the example second lock 2310 prevents the tire carrier 2300 from lowering even if the lock 138 is inadvertently actuated.
- the pin 2312 receives a cotter pin or any other device.
- the spare tire carriers are adjustable to a lowered position to enable a spare tire to be easily aligned with lugs of the spare tire carrier without having to lift the spare tire off the ground or at least reducing the distance to lift the spare tire to mount the spare tire on the tire carrier.
- a step of the spare tire carrier in the lowered position, is positionable in a location to enable a person to more easily access an interior of a vehicle implemented with the teachings of this disclosure and/or more easily access a top of a vehicle implemented with the teachings of this disclosure.
- the telescopically coupled tubes of the example tire carriers are not threadably engaged (e.g., no threaded coupling).
- one of the telescopically coupled tubes is not implemented with a ball screw and the other of the telescopically coupled tubes of the example tire carriers is not implemented with a ball nut.
- the telescopically coupled tubes of the example tire carriers are not structured to purposefully rotate relative to one another when the example tire carrier is either moved from the raised position to the lowered position or moved from the lowered position to the raised position.
- the coupling between the telescopically coupled tubes of the example tire carriers does not include a hydraulic actuator.
- neither of the telescopically coupled tubes of the example tire carriers includes a piston that engages (e.g., sealingly engages) within an interior surface of the other of the telescopically coupled tubes to purposefully change a rate at which the tire carrier descends toward a lowered position or purposefully changes a rate at which the tire carrier ascends toward the raised position.
- gas or liquid e.g., fluid
- gas or liquid is not purposefully compressed or decompressed to purposefully change a rate at which the tire carrier moves when one of the telescopically coupled tubes is moved into the other of the telescopically coupled tubes and/or when one of the telescopically coupled tubes is moved out of the other of the telescopically coupled tubes (e.g., no fluid coupling).
- An example tire carrier includes a frame including telescopically coupled tubes; and a lock carried by one of the tubes, the lock structured to mechanically engage another one of the tubes to fix the tubes relative to one another to prevent the tire carrier from inadvertently moving toward a lowered position, the lock structured to reduce the mechanical engagement with the other one of the tubes to enable the tire carrier to be moved toward a raised position.
- the tire carrier includes a lug carried by the frame, the lug structured to be used as a step when the tire carrier is in the lowered position.
- the lug includes a slip-resistant layer.
- the lug is structured to be used as a handle to assist in moving the tire carrier toward the raised position or moving the tire carrier toward the lowered position.
- the lock includes an actuator to reduce the mechanical engagement between the other one of the tubes to enable the tire carrier to be moved toward the lowered position.
- the lock includes a bracket and a plate including opposing first and second tabs, the other one of the tubes to extend through the plate, the bracket includes first and second stops that are engagable by the first and second tabs, wherein, to cause the plate to mechanically engage the other one of the tubes, the first and second stops are offset relative to one another to cause a longitudinal axis of the plate to be non-perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis of the other one of the tubes when the plate engages the first and second stops.
- the lock further includes a biasing element disposed within the bracket to urge the plate to engage the first and second stops.
- the other one of the tubes is structured to move the plate against a biasing force of the biasing element to reduce the mechanical engagement by the plate with the other one of the tubes.
- the lock is a first lock, further including a second lock to prevent the plate from inadvertently reducing the mechanical engagement with the other one of the tubes.
- the frame is to be hingably coupled to a vehicle.
- the one of the tubes is to be hingably coupled to the vehicle.
- An example tire carrier includes telescopically coupled tubes; and means for selectively engaging one of the tubes to prevent the tire carrier from inadvertently moving toward a lowered position.
- the means for selectively engaging the one of the tubes includes a lock carried another one of the tubes, the lock structured to enable the tire carrier to move toward a raised position.
- the lock includes a bracket and a plate including opposing first and second tabs, the one of the tubes to extend through the plate, the bracket defines first and second slots including first and second stops that are engagable by the first and second tabs to cause the plate to mechanically engage the one of the tubes.
- the first and second stops are offset relative to one another to cause a longitudinal axis of the plate to be non-perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis of the one of the tubes when the plate engages the first and second stops to cause the plate to mechanically engage the one of the tubes to fix the relative positions of the tubes.
- the tubes include first and second tubes, further including a first leg and a second leg, wherein, to enable the tire carrier to move to the lowered position, the first leg is rotatably coupled to the first tube, the second leg is rotatably coupled to the second tube, and the first leg is rotatably coupled to second leg.
- the first leg is to be Hing ably coupled to a vehicle.
- the first tube defines a first slot to receive a first lug of the first leg to rotatably couple the first tube and the first leg and the second tube defines a second slot to receive a second lug of the second leg to rotatably couple the second lug and the second leg.
- An example tire carrier includes a frame including first and second legs, the first and second legs movable between a contracted position in which the frame is in a raised position and an expanded position in which the frame is in a lowered position; and a lock carried at an end of the first leg, the lock structured to selectively engage the second leg to prevent the frame from inadvertently moving toward the expanded position, the lock structured to reduce the engagement with the second leg when the frame is moving toward the contracted position.
- the lock includes an actuator to reduce the engagement with the second leg to enable the tire carrier to be moved toward the lowered position.
- An example apparatus includes a tire carrier movable between a raised position and a lowered position, the tire carrier, including a first tube; a second tube; a third tube; and a fourth tube, the first tube rotatably coupled to the second tube, the second tube rotatably coupled to the third tube, the third tube telescopically coupled to the fourth tube; and a lock carried by one of the third tube or the fourth tube, the lock structured to mechanically engage the other of the third tube or the fourth tube to fix the third and fourth tubes relative to one another to prevent the tire carrier from inadvertently moving toward the lowered position, the lock structured to reduce the mechanical engagement with the other of the third tube or the fourth tube to enable the tire carrier to be moved toward the raised position.
- the apparatus includes a lug carried by the first tube, the lug structured to be used as a step when the tire carrier is in the lowered position.
- the lug includes a slip-resistant layer.
- the lug is structured to be used as a handle to assist in moving the tire carrier toward the raised position or moving the tire carrier toward the lowered position.
- the lock includes an actuator actuatable to reduce the mechanical engagement between the other of the third tube or the fourth tube to enable the tire carrier to be moved toward the lowered position.
- the lock includes a bracket and a plate including opposing first and second tabs, the other of the third or fourth tubes to extend through the plate, the bracket includes first and second stops that are engagable by the first and second tabs, to cause the plate to mechanically engage the other of the third tube or the fourth tube, the first and second stops being offset relative to one another to cause a longitudinal axis of the plate to be non-perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis of the other of the third or fourth tubes when the plate engages the first and second stops.
- the lock further includes a biasing element disposed within the bracket to urge the plate to engage the first and second stops.
- the tire carrier is moved toward the raised position, the other of the third or fourth tubes is structured to move the plate against a biasing force of the biasing element to reduce mechanical engagement by the plate with the other of the third or fourth tubes.
- the lock is a first lock, further including a second lock to prevent the plate from inadvertently reducing the mechanical engagement with the other of the third or fourth tubes.
- the second tube is to be hingably coupled to a vehicle.
- the apparatus includes a fifth tube disposed between the first tube and the fourth tube, the fourth and fifth tubes being rotatably coupled.
- one of the third tube or the fourth tube is to be hingably coupled to a vehicle.
- An example apparatus includes a tire carrier including means for preventing the tire carrier from inadvertently moving toward a lowered position, the means for preventing including means for enabling the tire carrier to move toward the lowered position without a threaded coupling and without a fluid coupling that purposefully changes a rate at which the tire carrier moves toward the lowered position.
- the tire carrier includes first and second tubes that are telescopically coupled, the means for enabling includes a lock carried by the first tube, the lock structured to enable the tire carrier to move toward a raised position.
- the lock is structured to mechanically engage the second tube to fix the first and second tubes relative to one another to prevent the tire carrier from inadvertently moving toward the lowered position.
- the lock includes a bracket and a plate including opposing first and second tabs, the second tube to extend through the plate, the bracket defines first and second slots including first and second stops that are engagable by the first and second tabs to cause the plate to mechanically engage the second tube.
- the first and second stops are offset relative to one another to cause a longitudinal axis of the plate to be non-perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis of the second tube when the plate engages the first and second stops to cause the plate to mechanically engage the second tube to fix the relative positions of the first and second tubes.
- An example apparatus includes a tire carrier movable between a raised position and a lowered position, the tire carrier, including first and second tubes telescopically coupled at a non-threaded coupling; and a lock carried by the first tube and structured to mechanically engage the second tube to fix relative positions of the first and second tubes and to prevent the tire carrier from inadvertently moving toward the lowered position.
- the lock includes an actuator movable to reduce the mechanical engagement with the second tube to enable the tire carrier to be moved toward the lowered position.
- the tire carrier includes a lug structured to be used as a step when the tire carrier is in the lowered position.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Handcart (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This disclosure relates generally to vehicles and, more particularly, to tire carriers for use with vehicles.
- Some vehicles include spare tires that are attached to tire carriers. The tire carriers may be mounted on the front or the rear of the vehicle.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an example vehicle including an example tire carrier in a raised position with a distal end of the tire carrier immediately adjacent the vehicle. -
FIG. 2 illustrates the example vehicle ofFIG. 1 including the example tire carrier in the raised position with the distal end of the tire carrier spaced from the vehicle. -
FIG. 3 illustrates the example vehicle ofFIG. 1 including the example tire carrier in the lowered position with the distal end of the tire carrier spaced from the vehicle. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of an example lock of the example tire carrier ofFIG. 1 . -
FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a series of views depicting an example process of moving the example tire carrier ofFIG. 1 from the lowered position to the raised position. -
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an person using an example step of the example tire carrier to access a rear of the vehicle. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a person sitting on the tire of the example tire carrier when the tire carrier is in the lowered position. -
FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of an example tire carrier in a raised position that can be used to implement the teachings of this disclosure. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the example tire carrier ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of the example tire carrier ofFIG. 8 in the lowered position. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a detailed view of an example lock of the tire carrier ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of another example tire carrier in the raised position. -
FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of another example tire carrier including telescopically coupled tubes disposed on a bottom of the tire carrier when the tire carrier is mounted to a vehicle. -
FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of another example tire carrier including telescopically coupled tubes disposed on a side of the tire carrier when the tire carrier is mounted to a vehicle. -
FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of another example tire carrier including an example handle and an example step. -
FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view of the example tire carrier ofFIG. 15 in a lowered position. -
FIG. 17 illustrates another isometric view of the example tire carrier ofFIG. 15 in the lowered position. -
FIG. 18 illustrates an isometric view of the example tire carrier ofFIG. 15 in the raised position with a distal end of the tire carrier spaced from the vehicle. -
FIG. 19 illustrates another isometric view of the example tire carrier ofFIG. 15 in a raised position with the distal end of the tire carrier spaced from the vehicle. -
FIG. 20 illustrates an isometric view of the example tire carrier ofFIG. 15 in the raised position with a distal end of the tire carrier immediately adjacent the vehicle. -
FIG. 21 illustrates an isometric view of another example tire carrier in a raised position with a distal end of the tire carrier immediately adjacent the vehicle. -
FIG. 22 illustrates a front view of an example tire carrier including an example actuator to actuate an example lock. -
FIG. 23 illustrates a detailed isometric view of an example tire carrier including an example lock to secure a tire carrier in a raised position. - The figures are not to scale. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts.
- The examples disclosed herein relate to adjustable height tire carriers for use with vehicles. In some examples, the tire carriers include an example self-locking clamp that prevents the tire carriers from inadvertently lowering but which enables the tire carrier to be easily raised. Thus, the example tire carriers disclosed herein can be raised from the lowered position to a mid-travel position and then further raised from the mid-travel position to a raised position without the tire carrier inadvertently lowering during the process.
- In some examples, the tire carriers include an example step that may be used to assist a person entering a rear of a vehicle implemented with the example tire carriers. For example, when the tire carrier is in the lowered position, a person may step on the step to assist the person with entering the vehicle (e.g., entering a bed of the vehicle) and/or assist the person with accessing the roof of the vehicle. In some examples, the step may be structured to be used as a handle that may be held by a person to assist with raising and/or lowering the example tire carrier. Alternatively, the example tire carrier may be provided with a step and a handle.
- In some examples, in the lowered position, a spare tire is easily alignable with lugs of the tire carrier to enable the spare tire to be positioned on the tire carrier without having to lift the spare tire off the ground during the process. Thus, the examples disclosed herein provide an ergonomic tire carrier for vehicles, including off-road vehicles, that enable the spare tire to be moved to a raised, stowed position without a person having to lift the tire the entire distance prior to attaching the tire to the tire carrier (e.g., spare tires may be approximately one-hundred pounds).
- When the example tire carriers are in a lowered position, in some examples, the tire carriers are structured to enable a person to use the tire as a seat during, for example, a social scenario, a camping scenario, a tailgating scenario, etc., or, more generally, a situation in which people are gathering and/or socializing around the vehicle. When the example tire carrier is in the lowered position, in some examples, the tire carriers are structured to be out of a line of sight or the peripheral vision of a person sitting on a tailgate of a vehicle implemented with the example tire carrier during, for example, a social scenario, a camping scenario, a tailgating scenario, etc., or, more generally, a situation in which people are gathering and/or socializing around the vehicle
- To enable a tire carried by the example tire carriers to be lowered into engagement with the ground, in some examples, the tire carrier includes a first elongate member or tube, a second elongate member or tube, third and fourth elongate members or tubes that are telescopically coupled and a fifth elongate member or tube. While the tubes may be arranged in different ways such that the third and fourth tubes are disposed on one of the sides of the tire carrier and/or on the bottom of the tire carrier, in some examples, the third and fourth tubes are disposed on the top of the tire carrier when the tire carrier is mounted to the vehicle.
- In some such examples, a first end of the third tube is rotatably coupled to the second tube, a second end of the third tube receives a first end of the fourth tube and a second end of the fourth tube is rotatably coupled to the fifth tube. In other examples, the fourth tube receives the third tube.
- When the tire carrier is mounted to the vehicle and the third and fourth tubes are disposed on the top of the tire carrier, in some examples, an end of the second tube is rotatably coupled to the third tube, an end of the first tube is rotatably coupled to the second tube and an end of the fifth tube is rotatably coupled to the fourth tube. In some examples, the first and fifth tubes may be fixed relative to one another.
- To enable a tire carried by the example tire carrier to be carried by the vehicle, in some examples, the second tube is structured to be hingably coupled to the vehicle at one or more locations. For example, the second tube may be hingably coupled to the vehicle at one location such as, for example, at the bumper of the vehicle and/or the second tube may be hingably coupled to the vehicle at two locations such as, for example, two locations spaced on a rear and/or side panel of the vehicle.
- To prevent the tire carrier from inadvertently lowering, in some examples, the tire carrier includes an example lock carried by the third tube. In some examples, the lock is self-locking and/or is biased toward the locked position to prevent the relative position between the third and fourth tubes from changing. In other words, the lock fixes the third and fourth tubes relative to one another to prevent the tire carrier from inadvertently lowering. In some examples, the lock is implemented by an example pipe clamp that is biased, via one or more springs, to provide a locking force against the fourth tube to prevent the fourth tube from being removed from and/or being drawn out of the third tube.
- In some examples, the lock includes a bracket (e.g., a containing and locating bracket) formed on an end of the third tube. In some examples, the bracket includes apertures and/or slots through which a release(s) (e.g., an actuator, tabs) of the lock extends. To enable the lock to be actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position, in some such examples, the release is rotated (e.g., clockwise, counterclockwise) or otherwise moved to reduce an amount of mechanical engagement between the lock and the fourth tube to enable the fourth tube to slide out of the third tube to lower the tire carrier. In some examples, to enable the lock to be leveraged against the fourth tube and/or to enable the lock to mechanically engage the fourth tube, in some examples, the slots are defined on opposite sides of the bracket and sized and/or positioned to cause an engagement member (e.g., plates) of the lock to mechanically engage the fourth tube.
- To lower the tire adjuster from the raised position, in some examples, a person moves the release of the lock toward the unlocked position such that the engagement member of the lock provides less locking force on the fourth tube. For example, moving the lock toward the release position rotates the engagement member relative to a longitudinal axis of the fourth tube to position a longitudinal axis of the engagement member closer to being perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the fourth tube. To enable the tire adjuster to be lowered at a faster rate, in some examples, the release and/or engagement member is structured to be rotated further from the locked position.
- To secure the tire adjuster in the raised position, in some examples, an example second lock is provided that prevents the lock from being inadvertently actuated. In some examples, the second lock includes a rotatable tang that ratchets over the engagement member (e.g., the plates) of the lock to secure the tire adjuster in the raised position. For example, the tang may pass through a slot defined by the engagement member of the lock to secure the tire carrier in the raised position and/or to prevent the lock from actuating from the locked position to the unlocked position. To enable the second lock to be released, in some examples, the second lock includes a handle usable to rotate the tang out of the path of the engagement member of the lock.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates anexample vehicle 100 including anexample tire carrier 102 on which atire 104 is mounted. In this example, thetire carrier 102 includes a bracket 106 (more clearly shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 ) havinglugs 108 that are received bybolt holes 110 of arim 112 to secure thetire 104 to thetire carrier 102. - As shown in the illustrated example, the
tire carrier 102 includes aframe 113 including a first tube, leg orelongate member 114, a second tube, leg orelongate member 116 having legs, devises and/or lugs 118, 120 and third and fourth tubes, legs orelongate members tire carrier 102 to be moved between a stowed or raised position as shown inFIG. 1 and a vehicle access position in which thetire carrier 102 is swung away from thevehicle 100 shown inFIG. 2 , in this example, thesecond leg 116 is hingably coupled to thevehicle 100 viahinges - To enable the
tire carrier 102 to be moved between a raised/contracted position shown inFIG. 1 and a lowered/extended position shown inFIG. 3 , in the illustrated example, the first andsecond legs third legs fourth legs third legs slots respective lugs second leg 116 and are rotatably coupled to thesecond leg 116 via fasteners or pins 134, 136. In the illustrated example, to secure the third andfourth legs tire carrier 102 includes anexample lock 138 carried by thefourth tube 124. - In some examples, the
example lock 138 enables thethird leg 122 to move (e.g., slide) into thefourth leg 124 when thetire carrier 102 is moved into the raised position but prevents thethird leg 122 from being drawn out of thefourth leg 124 unless thelock 138 is intentionally actuated and/or moved to a released position. In other words, in some examples, thelock 138 is structured to enable thetire 104 to be lowered to the ground when thelock 138 is actuated or released. Additionally, thelock 138 is structured to enable the relative position between the third andfourth legs lock 138, during the raising process without human interaction. -
FIG. 2 illustrates theexample tire carrier 102 in a vehicle access position in which thetire 104 is spaced from thevehicle 100 and/or thetire carrier 102 is swung away from thevehicle 100. As shown in the illustrated example, theexample tire carrier 102 includes an example fifth tube, leg orelongate member 202 positioned between the first andfourth legs fifth legs fifth legs fifth leg 202 and is received by anexample slot 206 of thefourth leg 124 and is rotatably coupled via afastener 208. - To assist a person to enter a rear 210 of the
vehicle 100 and/or to access a roof of thevehicle 100, in this example, thetire carrier 102 includes an examplesecond lug 212 to which aplate 214 is coupled. For example, thetire carrier 102 may be structured to position thesecond lug 212 and theplate 214 to be used as a step when thetire carrier 102 is in the lowered position (e.g., thetire 104 engages the ground). Theplate 214 may be implemented by diamond plate or any other material that enables a person to step on theplate 214 without slipping. Additionally, in this example, thesecond lug 212 is structured to be used as a handle to assist a person with raising and/or lowering theexample tire carrier 102. -
FIG. 3 illustrates thetire carrier 102 in the lowered position with thetire 104 engaging the ground. When theexample tire carrier 102 is in the lowered position, in some examples, thetire carrier 102 is structured to enable a person to sit on thetire 104 during, for example, a social scenario, a camping scenario, a tailgating scenario, etc., or, more generally, a situation in which people are gathering and/or socializing around the vehicle. As shown in the illustrated example, when theexample tire carrier 102 is in the lowered position, thetire carrier 102 is structured to be out of a line of sight of a person sitting on the rear 210 of thevehicle 100 during, for example, a social scenario, a camping scenario, a tailgating scenario, etc., or, more generally, a situation in which people are gathering and/or socializing around the vehicle. In some examples, when thetire carrier 102 is in the lowered position, theholes 110 of therim 112 can be easily aligned with thelugs 108 of thetire carrier 102 to enable a person to position thetire 104 on thetire carrier 102 without having to lift the tire 104 a great distance if at all (e.g., a distance from the ground to a position associated with thetire carrier 102 being in the stowed, raised position). -
FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of theexample lock 138 of theexample tire carrier 102. In the illustrated example, thelock 138 includes abracket 402 formed at an end of thefourth leg 124. In this example, thebracket 402 includes acavity 404 in which a biasing element (e.g., a spring) 406 andplates 408 are disposed. To couple the biasingelement 406 and theplates 408 within thecavity 404, thethird leg 122 extends through thebracket 402 and through apertures formed by the biasingelement 406 and theplates 408 such that the biasingelement 406 urges theplates 408 toward the locked position (shown inFIG. 4 ) and the biasingelement 406 and theplates 408 surround thethird leg 122. - To enable the
plates 408 to impart a locking force on thethird leg 122, thebracket 402 defines opposing first andsecond slots plates 408 to be non-perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis of thethird leg 122 when thelock 138 is in the locked position. Specifically, based on a first stop or end 418 of thefirst slot 414 being spaced from a second stop or end 420 of thesecond slot 416,first tabs 422 of theplates 408 that extend through thefirst slot 414 engage thefirst stop 418 prior tosecond tabs 424 of theplates 408 that extend through thesecond slot 416 engaging thesecond stop 420 causing theplates 408 to cock and engage thethird leg 122. The engagement between theplates 408 and thethird leg 122 prevents thethird leg 122 from being removed from thefourth leg 124. - To actuate the
lock 138 toward the unlocked position to enable thethird leg 122 to slide or telescope relative to thefourth leg 124 and for thetire carrier 102 to lower, in some examples, thesecond tabs 424 are movable in a direction generally indicated by arrow 426 (e.g., counterclockwise) by a person moving thesecond tabs 424. Alternatively, to actuate thelock 138 toward the unlocked position, thefirst tabs 422 are movable in a direction generally opposite the direction generally indicated by thearrow 426. An additional actuator may be carried by thetire carrier 102 enable thelock 138 to be released. For example, the actuator may be implemented by a lever or handle distal to thelock 138 itself. If thetabs 422 and/or 424 are no longer being actuated, in this example, the biasingelement 406 automatically urges theplates 408 into the locked position in which theplates 408 mechanically engage against thethird leg 122 to prevent thetire carrier 102 from inadvertently lowering. - To actuate the
lock 138 toward the unlocked position to enable thethird leg 122 to be pushed into thefourth leg 124 and for thetire carrier 102 to raise, in some examples, the movement of thethird leg 122 into thefourth leg 124 urges thesecond tabs 424 in the direction generally indicated by thearrow 426 against the biasing force of the biasingelement 406. Thus, in some examples, thelock 138 is structured to automatically release to the unlocked position when thethird leg 122 is being moved into thefourth leg 124 to raise thetire carrier 102. -
FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate an example process of raising theexample tire carrier 102 from the lowered position, to a mid-travel position to a raised position. As shown inFIG. 5A , aperson 504 is shown gripping thesecond lug 212 and exerting a force in a direction generally indicated byarrow 506 to raise thetire carrier 102.FIG. 5B illustrates theexample tire carrier 102 at a mid-travel position and thelock 138 self-locking to prevent thetire carrier 102 from lowering even if theperson 504 is not applying the force in the direction generally indicated by thearrow 506. By structuring thelock 138 to be self-locking, theperson 504 can change positions as thetire carrier 102 is being raised without thetire carrier 102 inadvertently lowering.FIG. 5C illustrates thetire carrier 102 in the raised position and thelock 138 self-locking to prevent thetire carrier 102 from lowering. -
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an example process of using the examplesecond lug 212 to enter the rear 210 of thevehicle 100 with anexample tailgate 650 in a lowered position. As shown inFIG. 6A , aperson 652 is holding thethird leg 122 of theexample tire carrier 102 with one hand and stepping on thesecond lug 212 andFIG. 6B illustrates theperson 652 stepping onto thetailgate 550 from thesecond lug 212. -
FIG. 7 illustrates theperson 652 sitting on thetire 104 with thetire carrier 102 in the lowered position during, for example, a social scenario, a camping scenario, a tailgating scenario, etc., or, more generally, a situation in which people are gathering and/or socializing around thevehicle 100. -
FIG. 8 illustrates anexample tire carrier 600 that is similar to thetire carrier 102 ofFIG. 1 . In contrast to theexample tire carrier 102 ofFIG. 1 , thetire carrier 600 does not include thebracket 106 mounted on alug 601 to which thetire 104 is to be mounted. Additionally, in contrast to thetire carrier 102 ofFIG. 1 , thetire carrier 600 ofFIG. 8 includes example first andsecond legs elongate members third leg 606 receives thefourth leg 608 instead of thefourth leg 124 receiving thethird leg 122 as shown inFIG. 1 . - In the illustrated example, the
tire carrier 600 includes anexample lock 609 on anend 607 of thethird leg 606 that is similar to thelock 138 ofFIG. 1 . In contrast to thelock 138 ofFIG. 1 , thelock 609 ofFIG. 8 includes first andsecond slots second stop 614 is closer to theend 607 than thefirst stop 612. Based on the positioning of the first andsecond stops first tabs 616 of thelock 609 are urged into engagement with thefirst stop 612 prior tosecond tabs 618 of thelock 609 being urged into engagement with thesecond stop 614. In some examples, the engagement between thetabs stops lock 609 to cock into engagement with thefourth leg 608 and prevent thefourth leg 608 from being pulled out of thethird leg 606. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of theexample tire carrier 600 ofFIG. 8 in the raised position. As shown in the example ofFIG. 9 , thefirst stop 612 is spaced further from theend 607 than thesecond stop 614. Further, as shown in the example ofFIG. 9 , thefirst slot 610 is smaller than thesecond slot 611 to cause thetabs third leg 606 when thelock 609 is in the locked position. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of theexample tire carrier 600 ofFIG. 8 in the lowered position. As shown in the example ofFIG. 10 , thefourth leg 608 is further extending out of thethird leg 606 to enable thetire carrier 610 to be in the lowered position. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a detailed view of theexample lock 609 of theexample tire carrier 600 formed of anexample bracket 900 in whichportions 904 ofplates 906 are disposed. To enable thethird leg 608 to extend through theplates 906, theplates 906 defineapertures 907. As shown in this example, thetabs portions 904 and through theslots bracket 900. While this example illustrates thefirst slot 610 being smaller than thesecond slot 611, in other examples, thefirst slot 610 may be larger than thesecond slot 611. -
FIG. 12 illustrates anexample tire carrier 1200 that is similar to thetire carrier 102 ofFIG. 1 . However, in contrast to thetire carrier 102 ofFIG. 1 , thetire carrier 1200 includes afirst leg 1202 including thefirst lug 204 and thesecond lug 212. Thus, anexample frame 1204 has a relatively triangular cross-section as compared to theframe 113 of thetire carrier 102 ofFIG. 1 . In other words, thetire carrier 600 does not include a leg having a significant L-shaped cross-section. -
FIG. 13 illustrates anexample tire carrier 1300 that is similar to thetire carrier 600 ofFIG. 8 . However, in contrast to the tire carrier ofFIG. 8 , theexample tire carrier 1300 includes afirst leg 1302, asecond leg 1304 and athird leg 1306 that are non-telescoping and fourth and fifth legs, tubes orelongate members fifth legs tire carrier 1300 when thetire carrier 1300 is mounted to a vehicle. - In the illustrated example, the
first leg 1302 is rotatably coupled to thesecond leg 1304 via afastener 1312, thefirst leg 1302 is rotatably coupled to thefifth leg 1310 via afastener 1314, thesecond leg 1304 is rotatably coupled to thethird leg 1306 via afastener 1316 and thethird leg 1306 is rotatably coupled to thefourth leg 1308 via afastener 1318. In some examples, thelegs tire carrier 1300 is in the raised position and to be in an extended position when thetire carrier 1300 is in the lowered position. In some examples, thelegs tire carrier 1300 is in the raised position and to be in a contracted position when thetire carrier 1300 is in the lowered position. -
FIG. 14 illustrates anexample tire carrier 1400 that is similar to thetire carrier 600 ofFIG. 8 . However, in contrast to the tire carrier ofFIG. 8 , thetire carrier 1400 includes afirst leg 1402, asecond leg 1404 and athird leg 1406 that are non-telescoping and fourth and fifth legs, tubes orelongate members fifth legs tire carrier 1400 when thetire carrier 1400 is mounted to a vehicle. - In the illustrated example, the
first leg 1402 is rotatably coupled to thesecond leg 1404 via afastener 1412, thefirst leg 1402 is rotatably coupled to thefourth leg 1408 via afastener 1414, thesecond leg 1404 is rotatably coupled to thethird leg 1406 via afastener 1416 and thethird leg 1406 is rotatably coupled to thefifth leg 1410 via afastener 1418. In some examples, a mount to carry a tire is coupled to thefirst leg 1402, thethird leg 1406 and/or adjacent the coupling of thefirst leg 1402 and thethird leg 1406. - In some examples, the
legs tire carrier 1400 is in the raised position and to be in an extended position when thetire carrier 1400 is in the lowered position. In some examples, thelegs tire carrier 1400 is in the raised position and to be in a contracted position when thetire carrier 1300 is in the lowered position. In the illustrated example, ahinge 1420 is coupled to thefifth leg 1410 to hingably couple thetire carrier 1400 to a vehicle. Thus, in this example, thefourth leg 1408 moves relative to thehinge 1420. However, in other examples, thehinge 1420 is coupled to thefourth leg 1408 to hingably couple thetire carrier 1400 to the vehicle. -
FIG. 15 illustrates anexample tire carrier 1500 that is similar to thetire carrier 102 ofFIG. 1 . In contrast to theexample tire carrier 102 ofFIG. 1 , thetire carrier 1500 includes an example first leg, tube orelongate member 1502 including an example first leg-portion 1504 and an examplesecond leg portion 1506. Thesecond leg portion 1506 includes an examplefirst lug 1508, an examplesecond lug 1512 and an examplethird lug 1514. In some examples, thefirst lug 1508 is structured to be hingably coupled to thefourth leg 124 via afastener 1516, thesecond lug 1512 is structured to be used as a step when thetire carrier 1500 is in the lowered position and thethird lug 1514 is structured to be used as a handle to assist with moving thetire carrier 1500 between the lowered position and the raised position and/or between the raised position and the lowered position. -
FIG. 16 illustrates theexample tire carrier 1500 in the lowered position with thetire 104 engaging the ground. In the illustrated example, when thetire carrier 1500 is in the lowered position, thesecond lug 1512 is structured to be used as a step to assist a person stepping from the ground to thetailgate 650 and thethird lug 1514 is structured to be used as a handle to assist in moving thetire carrier 1500 between the lowered position and the raised position. In the illustrated example, an example fifth leg ortube 1516 extends from an end of thesecond leg portion 1506 and includes anexample mount 1518 having lugs 1702 (FIG. 17 ) to which thetire 104 is mounted. -
FIG. 17 illustrates another isometric view of theexample tire carrier 1500 in the lowered position with thetire 104 engaging the ground and thetailgate 550 in the lowered position. As shown inFIG. 17 , thelugs 1702 of themount 1518 extend through therim 112. -
FIG. 18 illustrates theexample tire carrier 1500 in a raised position with thetire 104 spaced from thevehicle 100 and thetailgate 650 in the lowered position.FIG. 19 illustrates another isometric view of theexample tire carrier 1500 with theexample tire carrier 1500 in the raised position, thetire 104 spaced from thevehicle 100 and thetailgate 650 in the raised position.FIG. 20 illustrates an isometric view of theexample tire carrier 1500 in the raised position with thetire 104 positioned immediately adjacent thevehicle 100 in the stowed position (e.g., the position thattire carrier 1500 is in when thevehicle 100 is driven). -
FIG. 21 illustrates anexample tire carrier 2100 that is similar to thetire carrier 1500 ofFIG. 15 . However, in contrast to thetire carrier 1500 ofFIG. 15 , thetire carrier 2100 includes an example second leg, tube orelongate member 2102 that is received in apivotal coupling 2104. In this example, thepivotal coupling 2104 is formed at anexample bumper 2106 of thevehicle 100. In some example, thepivotal coupling 2104 is formed of a cylinder that rotatably receives thesecond leg 2102 to enable thetire carrier 2100 to pivot relative to thevehicle 100 while retaining thesecond leg 2102 within thepivotal coupling 2104 to prevent thetire carrier 2100 from being inadvertently released from thevehicle 100. As shown in the example ofFIG. 21 , thetire carrier 2100 is in the raised position with thetire 104 immediately adjacent thevehicle 100. -
FIG. 22 illustrates theexample tire carrier 1500 ofFIG. 15 including anexample actuator 2202 to actuate thelock 138 between a locked position in which theplates 408 mechanically engage thethird tube 122 and an unlocked position in which theplates 408 unengage thethird tube 122 and/or enable thetubes actuator 2202 includes anexample cable 2204 coupled to theplates 408 and anexample handle 2206 pivotably coupled to thethird lug 1514. - In the illustrated example, to actuate the
lock 138 toward the unlocked position, thehandle 2206 of theactuator 2202 is moved towardthird lug 1514. In the illustrated example, to enable thelock 138 to move toward the locked position, thehandle 2206 is released to enable thehandle 2206 to move away from thethird lug 1514. Of course, theactuator 2202 may be structured to release thelock 138 in any suitable way. In some examples, theactuator 2202 is biased toward the locked position. Thus, in some such examples, when thehandle 2206 is released, thehandle 2206 automatically moves to enable thelock 138 to return to the locked position in which the third andfourth tubes -
FIG. 23 illustrates anexample tire carrier 2300 that is substantially similar to thetire carrier 1500 ofFIG. 15 . However, in contrast to thetire carrier 1500 ofFIG. 15 , thetire carrier 2300 ofFIG. 23 includes example third and fourth legs, tubes orelongated members apertures apertures example tire carrier 2300 is in the raised position to enable an examplesecond lock 2310 to be formed when theapertures example pin 2312. Thus, the examplesecond lock 2310 prevents thetire carrier 2300 from lowering even if thelock 138 is inadvertently actuated. To prevent thepin 2312 from being inadvertently removed from theapertures pin 2312 receives a cotter pin or any other device. - From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture have been disclosed that relate to spare tire carriers for vehicles. In some examples, the spare tire carriers are adjustable to a lowered position to enable a spare tire to be easily aligned with lugs of the spare tire carrier without having to lift the spare tire off the ground or at least reducing the distance to lift the spare tire to mount the spare tire on the tire carrier. In some examples, in the lowered position, a step of the spare tire carrier is positionable in a location to enable a person to more easily access an interior of a vehicle implemented with the teachings of this disclosure and/or more easily access a top of a vehicle implemented with the teachings of this disclosure.
- In some examples, the telescopically coupled tubes of the example tire carriers are not threadably engaged (e.g., no threaded coupling). Thus, in some such examples, one of the telescopically coupled tubes is not implemented with a ball screw and the other of the telescopically coupled tubes of the example tire carriers is not implemented with a ball nut. In other words, in some examples, the telescopically coupled tubes of the example tire carriers are not structured to purposefully rotate relative to one another when the example tire carrier is either moved from the raised position to the lowered position or moved from the lowered position to the raised position. In some examples, the coupling between the telescopically coupled tubes of the example tire carriers does not include a hydraulic actuator. In some examples, neither of the telescopically coupled tubes of the example tire carriers includes a piston that engages (e.g., sealingly engages) within an interior surface of the other of the telescopically coupled tubes to purposefully change a rate at which the tire carrier descends toward a lowered position or purposefully changes a rate at which the tire carrier ascends toward the raised position. In other words, in some examples, gas or liquid (e.g., fluid) is not purposefully compressed or decompressed to purposefully change a rate at which the tire carrier moves when one of the telescopically coupled tubes is moved into the other of the telescopically coupled tubes and/or when one of the telescopically coupled tubes is moved out of the other of the telescopically coupled tubes (e.g., no fluid coupling).
- An example tire carrier, includes a frame including telescopically coupled tubes; and a lock carried by one of the tubes, the lock structured to mechanically engage another one of the tubes to fix the tubes relative to one another to prevent the tire carrier from inadvertently moving toward a lowered position, the lock structured to reduce the mechanical engagement with the other one of the tubes to enable the tire carrier to be moved toward a raised position.
- In some examples, the tire carrier includes a lug carried by the frame, the lug structured to be used as a step when the tire carrier is in the lowered position. In some examples, the lug includes a slip-resistant layer. In some examples, the lug is structured to be used as a handle to assist in moving the tire carrier toward the raised position or moving the tire carrier toward the lowered position. In some examples, the lock includes an actuator to reduce the mechanical engagement between the other one of the tubes to enable the tire carrier to be moved toward the lowered position. In some examples, the lock includes a bracket and a plate including opposing first and second tabs, the other one of the tubes to extend through the plate, the bracket includes first and second stops that are engagable by the first and second tabs, wherein, to cause the plate to mechanically engage the other one of the tubes, the first and second stops are offset relative to one another to cause a longitudinal axis of the plate to be non-perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis of the other one of the tubes when the plate engages the first and second stops.
- In some examples, the lock further includes a biasing element disposed within the bracket to urge the plate to engage the first and second stops. In some examples, when the tire carrier is moved toward the raised position, the other one of the tubes is structured to move the plate against a biasing force of the biasing element to reduce the mechanical engagement by the plate with the other one of the tubes. In some examples, the lock is a first lock, further including a second lock to prevent the plate from inadvertently reducing the mechanical engagement with the other one of the tubes. In some examples, the frame is to be hingably coupled to a vehicle. In some examples, the one of the tubes is to be hingably coupled to the vehicle.
- An example tire carrier, includes telescopically coupled tubes; and means for selectively engaging one of the tubes to prevent the tire carrier from inadvertently moving toward a lowered position. In some examples, the means for selectively engaging the one of the tubes includes a lock carried another one of the tubes, the lock structured to enable the tire carrier to move toward a raised position. In some examples, the lock includes a bracket and a plate including opposing first and second tabs, the one of the tubes to extend through the plate, the bracket defines first and second slots including first and second stops that are engagable by the first and second tabs to cause the plate to mechanically engage the one of the tubes. In some examples, the first and second stops are offset relative to one another to cause a longitudinal axis of the plate to be non-perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis of the one of the tubes when the plate engages the first and second stops to cause the plate to mechanically engage the one of the tubes to fix the relative positions of the tubes.
- In some examples, the tubes include first and second tubes, further including a first leg and a second leg, wherein, to enable the tire carrier to move to the lowered position, the first leg is rotatably coupled to the first tube, the second leg is rotatably coupled to the second tube, and the first leg is rotatably coupled to second leg. In some examples, the first leg is to be Hing ably coupled to a vehicle. In some examples, the first tube defines a first slot to receive a first lug of the first leg to rotatably couple the first tube and the first leg and the second tube defines a second slot to receive a second lug of the second leg to rotatably couple the second lug and the second leg.
- An example tire carrier includes a frame including first and second legs, the first and second legs movable between a contracted position in which the frame is in a raised position and an expanded position in which the frame is in a lowered position; and a lock carried at an end of the first leg, the lock structured to selectively engage the second leg to prevent the frame from inadvertently moving toward the expanded position, the lock structured to reduce the engagement with the second leg when the frame is moving toward the contracted position. In some examples, the lock includes an actuator to reduce the engagement with the second leg to enable the tire carrier to be moved toward the lowered position.
- An example apparatus includes a tire carrier movable between a raised position and a lowered position, the tire carrier, including a first tube; a second tube; a third tube; and a fourth tube, the first tube rotatably coupled to the second tube, the second tube rotatably coupled to the third tube, the third tube telescopically coupled to the fourth tube; and a lock carried by one of the third tube or the fourth tube, the lock structured to mechanically engage the other of the third tube or the fourth tube to fix the third and fourth tubes relative to one another to prevent the tire carrier from inadvertently moving toward the lowered position, the lock structured to reduce the mechanical engagement with the other of the third tube or the fourth tube to enable the tire carrier to be moved toward the raised position.
- In some examples, the apparatus includes a lug carried by the first tube, the lug structured to be used as a step when the tire carrier is in the lowered position. In some examples, the lug includes a slip-resistant layer. In some examples, the lug is structured to be used as a handle to assist in moving the tire carrier toward the raised position or moving the tire carrier toward the lowered position.
- In some examples, the lock includes an actuator actuatable to reduce the mechanical engagement between the other of the third tube or the fourth tube to enable the tire carrier to be moved toward the lowered position. In some examples, the lock includes a bracket and a plate including opposing first and second tabs, the other of the third or fourth tubes to extend through the plate, the bracket includes first and second stops that are engagable by the first and second tabs, to cause the plate to mechanically engage the other of the third tube or the fourth tube, the first and second stops being offset relative to one another to cause a longitudinal axis of the plate to be non-perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis of the other of the third or fourth tubes when the plate engages the first and second stops. In some examples, the lock further includes a biasing element disposed within the bracket to urge the plate to engage the first and second stops.
- In some examples, the tire carrier is moved toward the raised position, the other of the third or fourth tubes is structured to move the plate against a biasing force of the biasing element to reduce mechanical engagement by the plate with the other of the third or fourth tubes. In some examples, the lock is a first lock, further including a second lock to prevent the plate from inadvertently reducing the mechanical engagement with the other of the third or fourth tubes. In some examples, the second tube is to be hingably coupled to a vehicle. In some examples, the apparatus includes a fifth tube disposed between the first tube and the fourth tube, the fourth and fifth tubes being rotatably coupled. In some examples, one of the third tube or the fourth tube is to be hingably coupled to a vehicle.
- An example apparatus includes a tire carrier including means for preventing the tire carrier from inadvertently moving toward a lowered position, the means for preventing including means for enabling the tire carrier to move toward the lowered position without a threaded coupling and without a fluid coupling that purposefully changes a rate at which the tire carrier moves toward the lowered position. In some examples, the tire carrier includes first and second tubes that are telescopically coupled, the means for enabling includes a lock carried by the first tube, the lock structured to enable the tire carrier to move toward a raised position. In some examples, the lock is structured to mechanically engage the second tube to fix the first and second tubes relative to one another to prevent the tire carrier from inadvertently moving toward the lowered position. In some examples, the lock includes a bracket and a plate including opposing first and second tabs, the second tube to extend through the plate, the bracket defines first and second slots including first and second stops that are engagable by the first and second tabs to cause the plate to mechanically engage the second tube. In some examples, the first and second stops are offset relative to one another to cause a longitudinal axis of the plate to be non-perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis of the second tube when the plate engages the first and second stops to cause the plate to mechanically engage the second tube to fix the relative positions of the first and second tubes.
- An example apparatus, includes a tire carrier movable between a raised position and a lowered position, the tire carrier, including first and second tubes telescopically coupled at a non-threaded coupling; and a lock carried by the first tube and structured to mechanically engage the second tube to fix relative positions of the first and second tubes and to prevent the tire carrier from inadvertently moving toward the lowered position. In some examples, the lock includes an actuator movable to reduce the mechanical engagement with the second tube to enable the tire carrier to be moved toward the lowered position. In some examples, the tire carrier includes a lug structured to be used as a step when the tire carrier is in the lowered position.
- Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/722,395 US10486756B2 (en) | 2017-10-02 | 2017-10-02 | Tire carriers for use with vehicles |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/722,395 US10486756B2 (en) | 2017-10-02 | 2017-10-02 | Tire carriers for use with vehicles |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20190100259A1 true US20190100259A1 (en) | 2019-04-04 |
US10486756B2 US10486756B2 (en) | 2019-11-26 |
Family
ID=65897039
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/722,395 Active 2037-12-20 US10486756B2 (en) | 2017-10-02 | 2017-10-02 | Tire carriers for use with vehicles |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US10486756B2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20190241222A1 (en) * | 2018-02-08 | 2019-08-08 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Adjustable mount apparatus for use with vehicles and related methods |
US10661845B2 (en) * | 2017-10-27 | 2020-05-26 | Naade, Inc. | Spare tire mount for motor vehicle |
CN116573068A (en) * | 2023-06-09 | 2023-08-11 | 南京工业职业技术大学 | Device and system for fixing externally hung spare tire of vehicle |
Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5186371A (en) * | 1991-05-02 | 1993-02-16 | General Motors Corporation | Spare tire carrier |
US5595410A (en) * | 1995-02-27 | 1997-01-21 | Chicago Steel Tape Co. | Quick-release locking device for telescoping member |
US20020018908A1 (en) * | 1999-11-19 | 2002-02-14 | Smith Troy G. | Structures having enhanced slip-resistant surfaces and associated methods |
US20020040917A1 (en) * | 2000-10-10 | 2002-04-11 | Newbill Anthony J. | Spare wheel carrier |
US20020084298A1 (en) * | 2000-10-27 | 2002-07-04 | Essig Richard C. | Spare tire carrier for a vehicle |
US20030024958A1 (en) * | 2001-07-31 | 2003-02-06 | Ibis Tek, Llc | Spare tire carrier |
US20040012210A1 (en) * | 2000-04-17 | 2004-01-22 | Pascal Guidetti | Device for locking two telescopic elongated elements |
US20040222261A1 (en) * | 2003-05-09 | 2004-11-11 | Ryan Wilson | Drop-down tire carrier |
US7021685B2 (en) * | 2004-07-12 | 2006-04-04 | Newbill Anthony J | Automotive bumper construction |
US20080011793A1 (en) * | 2004-02-23 | 2008-01-17 | Newbill Anthony J | Spare tire carrier assembly |
US7845895B2 (en) * | 2007-08-14 | 2010-12-07 | Ibis Tek, Llc | Spare tire carrier with integrated truck jack and spare tire lift |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB539624A (en) | 1940-05-22 | 1941-09-18 | Ford Motor Co | Improvements in spare wheel carriers for vehicles |
US4717054A (en) | 1986-01-22 | 1988-01-05 | Vanzant Teddy L | Tire carrier with pivotable tire mount and variable counterforce device |
SE464928B (en) | 1989-11-01 | 1991-07-01 | Electrolux Ab | DEVICE FOR FIXING INSIDE OF EACH OTHER TELESCOPIC MOVABLE PIPES |
DE10311574B9 (en) | 2003-03-10 | 2013-01-10 | Volkswagen Ag | Device and method for securing telescopes against retraction |
CN2902846Y (en) | 2006-05-12 | 2007-05-23 | 包头北方奔驰重型汽车有限责任公司重庆分公司 | Composite device for setting spare tyre of heavy duty automobile |
CN201895717U (en) | 2010-11-23 | 2011-07-13 | 宝鸡宝石特种车辆有限责任公司 | Quick-change type hydraulic lift spare tire carrier device |
-
2017
- 2017-10-02 US US15/722,395 patent/US10486756B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5186371A (en) * | 1991-05-02 | 1993-02-16 | General Motors Corporation | Spare tire carrier |
US5595410A (en) * | 1995-02-27 | 1997-01-21 | Chicago Steel Tape Co. | Quick-release locking device for telescoping member |
US20020018908A1 (en) * | 1999-11-19 | 2002-02-14 | Smith Troy G. | Structures having enhanced slip-resistant surfaces and associated methods |
US20040012210A1 (en) * | 2000-04-17 | 2004-01-22 | Pascal Guidetti | Device for locking two telescopic elongated elements |
US20020040917A1 (en) * | 2000-10-10 | 2002-04-11 | Newbill Anthony J. | Spare wheel carrier |
US20020084298A1 (en) * | 2000-10-27 | 2002-07-04 | Essig Richard C. | Spare tire carrier for a vehicle |
US20030024958A1 (en) * | 2001-07-31 | 2003-02-06 | Ibis Tek, Llc | Spare tire carrier |
US20040222261A1 (en) * | 2003-05-09 | 2004-11-11 | Ryan Wilson | Drop-down tire carrier |
US20080011793A1 (en) * | 2004-02-23 | 2008-01-17 | Newbill Anthony J | Spare tire carrier assembly |
US7021685B2 (en) * | 2004-07-12 | 2006-04-04 | Newbill Anthony J | Automotive bumper construction |
US7845895B2 (en) * | 2007-08-14 | 2010-12-07 | Ibis Tek, Llc | Spare tire carrier with integrated truck jack and spare tire lift |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10661845B2 (en) * | 2017-10-27 | 2020-05-26 | Naade, Inc. | Spare tire mount for motor vehicle |
US10974776B2 (en) | 2017-10-27 | 2021-04-13 | Naade, Inc. | Spare tire mount for motor vehicle |
US11535313B2 (en) | 2017-10-27 | 2022-12-27 | Naade, Inc. | Spare tire mount for motor vehicle |
US20190241222A1 (en) * | 2018-02-08 | 2019-08-08 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Adjustable mount apparatus for use with vehicles and related methods |
US10427731B2 (en) * | 2018-02-08 | 2019-10-01 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Adjustable mount apparatus for use with vehicles and related methods |
CN116573068A (en) * | 2023-06-09 | 2023-08-11 | 南京工业职业技术大学 | Device and system for fixing externally hung spare tire of vehicle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US10486756B2 (en) | 2019-11-26 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10486756B2 (en) | Tire carriers for use with vehicles | |
US6315515B1 (en) | Over-center towing locking mechanism for tow truck wheel lift or the like | |
US5478130A (en) | Auxiliary tailgate apparatus | |
US4231583A (en) | Projectable step for vehicles | |
US6460743B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for providing a roof-mounted upright bicycle carrier | |
US8936427B2 (en) | Spare tire handling device with a wheel retainer | |
US5722810A (en) | Over-center locking mechanism for tow truck wheel-lift or the like | |
US20180319212A1 (en) | Wheel lifting device | |
US20040105746A1 (en) | Wheel lift with laterally movable, rotatable swivel arm wheel scoops | |
DE102018123657A1 (en) | WHEEL SUPPORT FOR VEHICLES AND RELATED METHODS | |
US20160325668A1 (en) | Mounting system for vehicle underride | |
US20150284040A1 (en) | Adjustable spare tire cart | |
US20040156706A1 (en) | Wheel-lift assembly for wreckers | |
DE102012110254B3 (en) | Spring tensioning device with universal clamping table | |
WO2015073839A1 (en) | Swing-down jack with locks | |
US8991851B1 (en) | Towing system | |
US6622636B2 (en) | Device for automatically moving vehicles along guide ways of lifts | |
US11518459B2 (en) | Device for removing, storing and installing removable vehicle doors and method of use | |
US20070132202A1 (en) | Air cylinder pull handle release | |
US5909996A (en) | Wheel lift head | |
US10059387B2 (en) | Fifth wheel hitch and associated systems and methods | |
US20050042055A1 (en) | Deck safety slip pin system | |
CA2262379C (en) | Over-center towing locking mechanism for tow truck wheel lift of the like | |
US10343669B1 (en) | Apparatus for facilitating checking operation of vehicle brake lights and air brakes | |
DE678669C (en) | Lifting device, in particular for motor vehicles |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CHERRY, WILLIAM REESE;RUTMAN, MATT B.;SHROYER, JARED;REEL/FRAME:043759/0247 Effective date: 20171002 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: PUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIED |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 4 |